DE102023104630A1 - Temperature control system and method for controlling it - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a temperature control system with at least one storage and transport device, which has at least one exchangeable, regenerable temperature control element, and at least one regeneration magazine for the active regeneration of discharged temperature control elements from storage and transport devices.

Description

The present invention relates to a temperature control system and a method for controlling it.

background

Up to now, it has been difficult to store goods with different storage or transport temperatures effectively together in a common warehouse. On the one hand, the cold chain must be maintained and, on the other hand, too much energy should not be used, for example for cooling entire rooms or halls. In practice, active cooling devices are known which always require a power source to maintain the cooling process. If the power source fails, the cold chain is interrupted and the goods spoil or become unusable. In addition, such active cooling systems are technically very complex and require a lot of weight and space.

It is almost impossible to integrate such temperature control rooms into existing properties due to the insufficient ceiling load. In addition, such active cooling systems are disadvantageous because they only ever cover a single, narrow temperature range. However, if, for example, goods with different storage temperatures are to be stored or transported, a separate actively cooled storage room or actively cooled transport is required for each temperature. This is disadvantageous from a logistical and cost perspective.

Task

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to be energy-saving and effective so that a powerful power source for controlling the temperature of the storage and transport device can be dispensed with.

Furthermore, the object of the present invention is to provide an individually adjustable temperature control system which can have a predeterminable temperature range so that each temperature control system can be equipped with temperature control elements in a compact manner.

Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a temperature control system which permanently controls the temperature of goods in an uncooled warehouse.

Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a tempering system which enables continuous regeneration of tempering elements in a short time.

Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a possibility for automated handling without human intervention.

Solution

This object is achieved with a tempering system according to claim 1 and the independent method claims 7 and 8.

The core of the present invention lies in an intelligent temperature control system with at least one storage and transport device, which has at least one exchangeable, regenerable temperature control element, and at least one regeneration magazine for the active regeneration of discharged temperature control elements from storage and transport devices, wherein the at least one storage and transport device has a detection device which forms data and/or communication connections with the at least one control unit of the at least one regeneration magazine and/or wherein the at least one detection device and the at least one control unit of the at least one regeneration magazine form data and/or communication connections with at least one external control unit.

This is advantageous because the data connections and/or communication connections between the storage and transport device and the regeneration magazine allow their actions to be coordinated.

If the data acquisition device in the storage and transport device, for example, acquires data that does not correspond to a predeterminable value range, the acquisition device can control additional functions. The acquisition device can then ensure that the storage and transport device is moved to a regeneration magazine. At the same time, it is conceivable that the at least one control unit of the regeneration magazine detects the arrival of the storage and transport device and initiates further processes in the regeneration magazine. This can advantageously simplify the work processes of operating personnel. It is also conceivable that this could save operating personnel costs.

Alternatively or in addition to this, the at least one data acquisition device and the at least one control unit can also form data and/or communication connections with an external control unit. The external control unit is advantageously spaced apart from the temperature control system. The external control unit can, for example, be server-based, cloud-based or applied. It can be designed to be software-based, also known as app-based. It advantageously has control software in which the action sequences between the storage and transport device and the regeneration magazine are stored. The action sequences are advantageously designed to be permanently repeatable.

Finally, the external control unit is also used to communicate possible errors in the action sequences, for example if an action cannot be carried out. The external control unit then sends an error log, preferably via application software, to a smartphone or another display module, such as a screen, which alerts the operating personnel to the error. In this case, the recording device and control unit can also be in a data and/or communication connection with each other. The external control unit simply monitors that the corresponding stored action sequences are processed and adhered to.

Further advantageous embodiments emerge from the subclaims.

A data connection is advantageously understood to mean the transmission of data between the recording device and the control unit, between the recording device and the external control unit, and between the control unit and the external control unit. The data can be actively sent by the respective unit or device. However, it is also conceivable that the recording device and the control unit only provide the data and the external control unit actively queries it. Data can be understood to mean any type of data, for example functional data, data on action sequences, environmental data, position data of moving parts, weight data and the like. Signals are advantageously sent or exchanged via communication connections. The data connections and communication connections can be wireless and/or wired.

Advantageously, numerous data connections and communication connections are provided, which together form a communication network.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the temperature-controlled storage and transport device has at least one housing body and at least one housing body closure unit for closing the housing body, wherein the housing body closure unit has at least one carrier and at least one positioning unit arranged thereon for at least partially receiving at least one mobile, regenerative temperature control element, wherein the housing body closure unit and/or the housing body further has at least one detection device. The detection device advantageously detects at least data on at least one temperature control volume value and makes this available for querying and/or forwards it on request, wherein the detection device is coupled to at least one sensor element which is arranged on a carrier underside which, in the use state, faces the temperature control volume.

This special design of the storage and transport device makes it possible for the first time to monitor and also temper the tempering volume within the storage and transport device.

The housing body serves to accommodate at least one item for its transport and/or storage. The term "storage and transport device" used here means a device that can be used both as a storage device for items arranged therein and as a transport device for items arranged therein.

The housing body closure unit is designed in such a way that it closes the housing body when in use, i.e. when the storage and transport device is equipped. The housing body closure unit can advantageously be referred to as a lid. The closure of the housing body closure unit and the housing body is designed to be appropriately sealed, for example gas-tight or watertight, so that the tempering volume has its own, predeterminable tempering volume climate. Tempering is advantageously understood to mean a temperature or a temperature range that is warmer than the ambient temperature of the storage and transport device or alternatively colder than the ambient temperature of the storage and transport device. Tempering can therefore be understood to mean cooling on the one hand and keeping warm on the other. The detection device can advantageously be arranged on the housing body closure unit and/or the housing body.

The term “use condition” is advantageously understood to mean the condition in which the storage and transport device stores at least one good.

In an advantageous embodiment of the storage and transport device, the housing body is designed like a box. This advantageously allows the storage and transport device to be stacked particularly easily. This can be done, for example, if the storage and Transport devices are arranged in a space-saving manner in a non-temperature-controlled warehouse. The ability to stack also proves to be space-saving and effective when transporting on a truck or train.

In an advantageous embodiment of the storage and transport device, the temperature control volume value is understood to mean at least one value that can be taken from the temperature control volume. Advantageous examples of such values are environmental values, such as at least one temperature value of the temperature control volume, at least one presence value for determining the presence of goods, at least one humidity value of the temperature control volume, at least one temperature value of the housing body, at least one temperature value of the stored goods or also a temperature value of a temperature control element in the case of the design as a temperature control system and/or any combinations or multiple recordings thereof.

To determine at least one of these values, the storage and transport device advantageously has at least one sensor element which is coupled to a detection device or is in regular contact with it. Predeterminable, different values can be regularly monitored via the sensor element, for example a temperature sensor. This predetermination can be set, for example, via manual inputs on the external control unit. This is not to be understood as limiting, so it is also conceivable that the detection device can also store data. For example, when goods are loaded, goods data, threshold values or other storage parameters, such as temperature and/or humidity, can be stored in the detection device. This data is then used for later comparison when the storage and transport device is in use.

In an advantageous embodiment of the storage and transport device, at least one temperature control volume value is monitored regularly, for example every minute. The monitoring can be carried out, for example, by comparing the measurement data with the data stored in the detection device. This ensures that even a slow change in a temperature control volume value is detected and recognized. By arranging at least one sensor element on the underside of the carrier, which faces the temperature control volume, reliable temperature monitoring can be carried out, for example when the carrier has at least one mobile, regenerative temperature control element in the state of use. If the data comparison does not produce a match, the detection device can start an action sequence. If, for example, the detected temperature value of the temperature control volume is too high, the temperature control element is discharged. It cannot cool any further. The detection device can now cause the storage and transport device belonging to it to be transferred to a regeneration magazine. The discharged temperature control element is then regenerated there. At the same time, a fresh, fully charged temperature control element can also be fed into the storage and transport device. Depending on the design of the temperature control system, these steps can be carried out by operating personnel in combination with optical and/or acoustic display means, semi-automatically through steps that are at least partially carried out by operating personnel, or fully automatically, without the need for operating personnel.

In an advantageous embodiment of the storage and transport device, the positioning unit is arranged on an underside of the carrier, which is arranged facing the tempering volume in a closed state of use. This means that a tempering element inserted therein, if it is designed for cooling, can passively cool the tempering volume from top to bottom. This is significantly more effective and uniform than if, for example, the tempering element is arranged on the sides or bottom of the housing body. In these variants, there is essentially a standing cooling, which is precisely what is not desired in this case.

In an advantageous embodiment of the storage and transport device, the positioning unit has at least two guide elements spaced apart from one another. This is advantageous because the at least two guide elements are arranged in such a way that they can accommodate a mobile tempering element and at least partially reach under or pass under it. This ensures that the mobile tempering element is securely held. In this simple embodiment, the tempering element is simply pushed into the positioning unit. For additional fixation, guide bevels can be provided at the ends of the guide elements, which prevent the tempering element from accidentally slipping out when it is tilted.

In an advantageous embodiment of the storage and transport device, the guide elements can be understood as bearings or rails. The guide elements can each have at least one protruding section. This serves to engage in at least one recess extending laterally in the longitudinal direction of the tempering element. The recess and section are advantageously designed to be complementary to one another. A form This is advantageous because it allows the position of the tempering element to be releasably fixed and held securely.

In addition to this or alternatively, it is also conceivable to design at least one guide element to be at least partially resilient. In this embodiment, at least one guide element has this property. The resilient property makes it possible for the corresponding guide element to be deflected from its original position when force is applied by the tempering element, for example when a tempering element is inserted into the positioning unit. This resilient property allows the at least one guide element to apply an opposing pressure force to the tempering element that is then inserted and to brace it. This means that the tempering element is held particularly stably in the positioning unit.

Depending on the design, it is conceivable that the tempering element has corresponding recesses into which the spring-loaded guide element at least partially engages. It is also conceivable that the guide element simply grips under the inserted tempering element and thus braces it.

The bracing is achieved by at least one additional guide element. This can be designed to be rigid. However, to make it easier to insert a tempering element, it is also conceivable to design this to be springy.

If a corresponding tensile force is exerted on the tempering element, for example by an operating personnel, the exerted clamping force is overcome. The tempering element can be removed from the positioning unit by widening at least one, advantageously both, guide elements.

Furthermore, the guide elements can be arranged on the carrier, for example screwed on. This is of course not to be understood as limiting, so it is also conceivable that the guide elements are formed in one piece with the carrier or with a carrier section. This can be achieved, for example, using an injection molding process. It is also conceivable that further auxiliary elements can be provided for coupling the guide elements and the carrier.

In the simplest case, the at least two guide elements can be designed as strip elements. In this embodiment, two strip elements made of metal or plastic are advantageously provided. To ensure particularly reliable support of the optionally required tempering element, the strip elements each have an L-shaped cross-section. This creates sufficient support surface for the tempering element that can be inserted if required. The area between the strip elements, which are arranged opposite one another and at the same time spaced apart from one another by the geometry of the tempering element, is open and free.

In an advantageous design of the storage and transport device, the guide elements have flow ribs with openings in between. This is particularly advantageous if cooling of the tempering volume is desired. The combination of flow ribs and openings in between enables a particularly effective flow for passive cooling. The air cooled by the insertable tempering element is guided through the openings and receives additional guidance and/or acceleration from the flow ribs. This can, for example, create a controlled curtain so that the tempering volume can be cooled evenly via the cooling air curtain. This is supported by cold air sinking downwards towards the floor, causing warm air to rise. Air circulation is caused by the opposing movements of warm and cold air. In this case, no fans or other means are needed to actively circulate the air within the storage and transport device. This makes the device much easier to use and it is less prone to maintenance and cheaper. The storage and transport device presented here can also be referred to as a passively cooled storage and transport device.

The resulting cooled air is discharged evenly to the sides, preferably to the right and left, through the openings and the flow ribs. The guide elements are therefore positioned as centrally as possible on the underside of the carrier. This means there is enough space to the side walls of the housing body so that the flow and thus the passive cooling are not hindered.

At least one end face remains open, i.e. free of flow ribs. The mobile tempering element can be inserted and removed from the positioning unit via this end face as required.

The second front side can also have the arrangement of flow ribs. This further improves passive cooling.

However, this is not to be understood as limiting, so that it is also conceivable that the second front side remains open. To determine the position of the A stopper can be provided for the mobile tempering element. This prevents it from being pushed through and from being positioned incorrectly or unfavourably. This ensures that it provides the best possible passive cooling performance in the end position.

Alternatively, it is conceivable to design the guide elements as rollers and/or mounted rollers. In this embodiment of the design as rollers, it is conceivable that these have a cylindrical geometry. The rollers are advantageously mounted on two or more guide struts and are advantageously arranged so that they can rotate. The guide struts are to be understood as auxiliary elements. They are fixedly arranged on the underside of the support, for example screwed on or manufactured as one piece with it via injection molding. The guide struts can also be understood as guide grooves in which the free ends of the rollers or rollers are rotatably mounted. This enables the tempering element to be easily inserted if this is required.

Furthermore, the individual rollers or rolls are arranged at a distance from one another, so that there are free spaces through which the cooled air can flow. A central and/or laterally directed air curtain can form here. This also depends on whether an additional air guide element is provided.

In an advantageous design of the storage and transport device, it is also conceivable that the guide grooves, comparable to the strip elements, have flow ribs and material openings in between. This further improves the effect of passive cooling and the formation of a lateral cooling air curtain.

In an advantageous embodiment of the storage and transport device, it also has a spacing element which can be positioned on an inner bottom surface of the housing body, at a distance from the bottom surface. If, for example, the goods in the storage and transport device are to be cooled, the spacing element is particularly advantageous because the cooled air flowing from the direction of the carrier towards the bottom of the housing body can flow through the spacing element. In this way, goods arranged in the storage and transport device are also directly surrounded by the cool air, first from the side and finally also from below.

The cooled air initially flows past the goods to be cooled, through the spacer element and onto the bottom of the housing. The cooled air collects there and rises. As a result, the underside of the goods, which rests on the spacer element, is also effectively cooled.

In the simplest case, the spacing element is designed as a grid, which itself is spaced from the actual housing body base by means of spacers, such as feet. For better temperature conduction, it has proven advantageous to make the spacing element out of metal.

If the goods were to rest directly on the bottom of the housing, the bottom of the housing would represent a barrier. The flow would be interrupted. The cooler air would collect directly on the goods, but would not be able to cool their underside, i.e. the side of the goods that forms a common contact surface with the bottom of the housing. This spacing element can therefore further improve the temperature control effectiveness of the goods.

In an advantageous embodiment of the storage and transport device, at least one air guide element can also be arranged on the guide elements and/or the carrier as a boundary to the tempering volume. In the simplest case, the air guide element is made of metal, for example aluminum sheet. The arrangement on the guide elements or on the carrier is advantageously detachable by means of a screw connection. By providing this air guide element, the flow of the cooler air emanating from the tempering element can be guided even more controlled, especially when cooling the tempering volume. By limiting it downwards towards the housing body base, a cold reflection is formed. In addition, the cooled air is also guided laterally, for example to flow through the openings and/or along the flow ribs. This further improves the uniformity of the cooled air curtain, which falls sideways from the carrier towards the housing body base. The cooling of the goods is thus further efficiently improved. The air guide element also has the advantage that it guides the air tempered by the tempering element towards the inner walls of the housing body. The tempered air is thus deflected to the side. This prevents the tempered air from coming from the tempering element from hitting at least one item directly, i.e. vertically downwards, and overheating it.

Over-tempering is understood to mean that the goods are exposed to the tempered air too quickly and can therefore spoil. For example, if a chilled product is only to be cooled, a direct exposure to tempered air from the tempering element would cause a frost effect. The goods to be cooled would not only be cooled, but deep-frozen. This could render them unusable. The air guide element is therefore advantageous for uniformly tempering the tempering volume via laterally directed air flows and the at least one goods arranged therein.

The same applies to keeping goods warm. If goods are to be kept warm, a missing air guide element can cause the goods to overheat and spoil.

It is therefore advantageous to provide the air guide element for goods that require a constant storage and/or transport temperature.

For goods that are insensitive to temperature fluctuations, an air guide element can also be dispensed with.

This is of course not to be understood as limiting, so it is also conceivable that the air guide element has geometric openings in its surface or can be missing altogether. Depending on the geometry, circles, stars, diamonds or other polygonal shapes of the openings are conceivable. In particular, at least one elongated hole can also be provided. This is an advantage if the tempering element is to be pushed out of the positioning unit and replaced fully automatically by a robot.

In an advantageous embodiment of the storage and transport device, at least the housing body and/or at least the carrier is insulated. This is particularly advantageous if the storage and transport device described here is designed as a cooling box and/or as a warming box. Known materials can be used for the insulation, for example insulating foams. When insulating the carrier, it has proven advantageous to insert the insulation in a sandwich-like manner. This results in a multi-layered structure of the carrier. The insulation is enclosed by two carrier sections. The storage and transport device described here can be used universally, so that it can be used to store and/or transport both goods that need to be cooled and goods that need to be kept warm. The temperature in the tempering volume specified by the goods contained therein is set using the tempering element.

In an advantageous embodiment of the storage and transport device, the carrier has at least one gripping section on its outer surface, which is directed upwards when in use. This is advantageous because it allows the carrier and thus also the housing body closure unit to be completely lifted off the storage and transport device. Consequently, no tilting or swiveling mechanism is provided on the housing body closure unit by means of which the housing body closure unit can only be opened. In the present case, it is advantageous for the use of the storage and transport device as a cooling device to be able to completely lift off the housing body closure unit.

This is particularly advantageous when using the storage and transport device as part of a fully automated temperature control system. The lifting can be done easily and quickly and in a space-saving manner. In the simplest case, the housing body closure unit is opened manually by operating personnel in order to replace the empty temperature control element with a freshly charged temperature control element. However, it is also conceivable that the opening can be carried out by a pivoting robot. This can advantageously be designed as a robot arm. In addition, it is avoided that, for example, the temperature control element accidentally slides out of its position. In an inclined position of the housing body closure unit, the temperature control element, if present, can only be replaced automatically with great difficulty. A direct, complete lifting of the housing body closure unit proves to be advantageous for all possible applications of the storage and transport device described here. Because the temperature control element is held in the positioning unit, any direction of movement of the housing body closure unit can be carried out with the robot arm. The temperature control element is sufficiently fixed. It cannot accidentally slip out of the positioning unit even during swivel movements. Consequently, all spatial directional movements can be carried out.

Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a storage and transport unit with at least one storage and transport device, as described in detail above, and at least one tempering element that can be reversibly removed from the storage and transport device. If, for example, goods are to be cooled or even cold chains are to be maintained, the storage and transport unit described here proves to be particularly advantageous. On the one hand, at least one tempering volume value, for example the temperature of the tempering volume and/or the tempering element, can be recorded via the recording device.

For accurate temperature monitoring, it has proven advantageous to to arrange at least one sensor element adjacent to the strip elements. The sensor element arranged in this way directly records the temperature emitted by the tempering element. The data is recorded by the recording device and compared with target data stored in the recording device or in an external control unit. This comparison can be carried out by the recording device or the external control unit. If a deviation from the target data is recorded, the recording device or the external control unit can abandon predetermined action sequences for this case. For example, the storage and transport device can be brought to a regeneration magazine. Furthermore, contact can be made with the control unit of the regeneration magazine via at least one data connection. The control unit in turn can also take on control functions. In addition, the control unit can also initiate action sequences for the regeneration magazine. The action sequences required for this are advantageously stored on the control unit. The control unit advantageously has at least one microprocessor for this purpose. One possible sequence of actions for the regeneration magazine is, for example, that when the storage and transport device is positioned near the regeneration magazine, the control unit causes at least one closure element to open so that the interior of the regeneration magazine is freely accessible. This saves the operating personnel a lot of manual work, as they do not have to worry about opening the regeneration magazine.

If, for example, the tempering element has been in use for hours, its tempering performance decreases over time. Nothing of this can be measured in the actual tempering volume. The sensor element therefore advantageously records the temperature value of the tempering element. If a predeterminable threshold value is exceeded, this can be transmitted to an external control unit via the recording device and processed there. Alternatively, the processing is carried out by the recording device itself. The external control unit then initiates the replacement of the tempering element.

This is of course not to be understood as limiting, so it is also conceivable that the detection device initiates optical and/or acoustic warning signals so that a worker replaces the tempering element. It is therefore advantageous that a mobile, i.e. replaceable, tempering element is used here. Static tempering elements, which are, for example, firmly glued or installed, run counter to the idea of the invention.

Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable that the at least one sensor element is arranged thermally separated from the tempering element. This has the advantage that the at least one sensor element then detects the temperature of the tempering volume without being influenced by the temperature of the tempering element. This is relevant if the temperature of the tempering volume is to be monitored and detected. This represents an alternative or additional method of monitoring.

It has proven advantageous if this at least one sensor element is arranged on the cover surface of the housing body closure unit, which is on the inside when in use. This is of course not to be understood as limiting, so it is also conceivable to provide further sensor elements in the tempering volume. This can be used to record temperatures depending on the position in the tempering volume. For example, another sensor element can be arranged near the goods. The recording device advantageously records all data recorded by sensor elements. In addition, data can also be compared and/or action sequences can be exited by the recording device.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the mobile tempering element has at least one gripping section and/or several through-openings. The gripping section serves to make it easier to remove the tempering element from the positioning unit. In the simplest case, the gripping section can have a recessed grip if the tempering element is to be removed and replaced manually. In the other case, it is conceivable that the gripping section can have at least one position marker. This allows the position marker to be recognized by a robot in a fully automated process, so that the position of the tempering element can be detected and it can be removed.

Furthermore, in an advantageous embodiment, the tempering element can be designed to be completely closed. This is the simplest embodiment. However, this should not be understood as limiting, since it has proven to be advantageous for the flow properties of the cooled air flowing away from the tempering element if the tempering element has at least one through opening, advantageously several through openings. The through openings are designed in such a way that, in the state of use, they are continuous from the carrier towards the housing body base.

Furthermore, it has proven to be particularly advantageous if the longitudinal formed surface and lower surface of the tempering element are connected via through holes. These through holes can be round, square or in another polygonal shape, for example. In the simplest embodiment, the openings are round in plan view. This achieves additional effectiveness of the tempering in the regeneration magazine. These through holes improve the flushing effect with tempered air, the tempering element is regenerated more quickly than a completely closed tempering element. The tempering element can therefore advantageously have at least one, more advantageously 2 to 50 through holes. These can be arranged linearly or hexagonally packed.

In a further advantageous embodiment, it is conceivable that the tempering element has at least one force-actuating section at a free end. This can be designed to be magnetic, for example. This is advantageous for positioning the tempering element in the positioning unit. The desired end position of the tempering element in the positioning unit can be determined by the magnetic force. This prevents undesirable slipping.

It is also conceivable that the magnetic section for detection in the automated temperature control element exchange is recognized by the respective robot arm. It can therefore be understood as a position marker. The force-loaded section can also be used to correctly position the temperature control elements in the regeneration magazine. It is also conceivable that the temperature control elements can be exchanged in and out of the regeneration magazine via the force-loaded section.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the storage and transport unit is designed as a passive storage and transport unit. Cooling within the tempering volume is carried out passively using the cooler air flow and its turbulence. In addition, the present invention only uses the tempering element to temper the tempering volume. If the cooling performance of the tempering element decreases, it is exchanged for a "fresh" tempering element, i.e. a recharged one. Monitoring is carried out via the detection device. This also provides the data to prove that, for example, the cold chain requirements have been permanently met. Consequently, this data can advantageously be queried by the detection device via an external control unit.

Tempering elements that have at least one PCM material as a latent heat storage device have therefore proven to be particularly advantageous. This ensures that these tempering elements can be recharged again and again. This avoids waste and increases effectiveness. In the simplest case, water can be used as the PCM (phase change material) within the tempering element. This is of course not to be understood as limiting, so it is also conceivable to use water-alcohol mixtures, aqueous salt solutions or the like. In the storage and transport device disclosed here, the PCM used within the tempering element is food-safe. This is relevant because food is also transported or stored in the storage and transport device. The choice of the PCM of the tempering element can advantageously determine its tempering performance. If, for example, the tempering element is to cool the tempering volume, water can be used as the PCM.

The tempering element advantageously has a casing made of plastic, metal or the like. The phase change material is arranged in it in a leak-proof manner. In the simplest case, the casing can be made in one piece, so that the phase change material is introduced into the casing directly during the manufacture of the tempering element and is permanently sealed. However, this is not to be understood as limiting, so it is also conceivable to provide a refill opening in the casing. This is designed to be leak-proof.

It has also proven to be advantageous if the tempering element is designed in the form of a plate. This allows it to be arranged in the positioning unit and also in the regeneration magazine in a space-saving manner.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the mobile tempering element is held in a stable position by the at least two guide elements when the storage and transport device is in use. This is advantageous for the uniform tempering effect, for example cooling or keeping warm. The tempering element is inserted between the guide elements and is gripped by them at least in sections. This results in a stable position. In this simple embodiment, the tempering element is simply pushed into the positioning unit. For additional fixation, guide bevels can be provided on the guide elements, which prevent the tempering element from accidentally slipping out when it is at an angle.

In addition or as an alternative to the gripping by the two guide elements, it is also conceivable that the protruding L-shape of the guide elements is used as projections in order to insert them into the complementary recesses of the tempering element. This holds and stabilizes the positioning of the tempering element.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the guide elements can be understood as bearings or rails. The guide elements can each have at least one protruding section. This serves to engage in at least one recess extending laterally in the longitudinal direction of the tempering element. The recess and section are advantageously designed to complement one another. A positive connection is advantageously formed. This is advantageous because the position of the tempering element can be releasably fixed and held securely.

In addition to this or alternatively, it is also conceivable to design at least one guide element to be at least partially resilient. In this embodiment, at least one guide element has this property. The resilient property makes it possible for the corresponding guide element to be deflected from its original position when force is applied by the tempering element, for example when a tempering element is inserted into the positioning unit. This resilient property allows the at least one guide element, advantageously two guide elements, to apply an opposing pressure force to the tempering element that is then inserted and to clamp it. This means that the tempering element is held particularly stably in the positioning unit. A positive and non-positive connection is formed.

Depending on the design, it is conceivable that the tempering element has corresponding recesses into which the spring-loaded guide element at least partially engages. It is also conceivable that the guide element simply grips under the inserted tempering element and thus braces it.

The bracing is achieved by at least one additional guide element. This can be rigid. However, to make it easier to insert a tempering element, it is also possible to make it springy.

If a corresponding tensile force is exerted on the tempering element, for example by an operator or a robot arm, the tension force exerted is overcome. The tempering element can be removed from the positioning unit by widening at least one, advantageously both, guide elements.

The provision of at least one recess on at least one side surface of the tempering element is not to be understood as limiting, so that it is also conceivable that instead of the recess a projection is provided which can be gripped under and/or clamped.

Finally, the storage and transport unit can be used as a transport and/or storage component of an uncooled warehouse. This makes it possible for the first time to store goods with very different temperature or humidity requirements in one and the same warehouse or to transport them in the same room. There is no need for complex refrigerated transport or separate cold storage cell structures in buildings. This creates a particularly high level of flexibility, as the storage and transport units described here are suitable for all types of goods. The goods considered here can include food, pharmaceuticals, electronic devices and many other things.

When storing, it is then possible to take into account and individualize the specific requirements of the goods to be stored or transported. This is quick and effective. A time-consuming check for free capacity in cold storage cells or refrigerated transport is completely eliminated. It is also optionally possible to omit the temperature control element if the goods stored in it do not require cooling.

Throughout the disclosure, the term "tempering volume" can be understood to mean the volume that is spanned by the housing body and is advantageously limited by the housing body closure unit. Depending on the requirements of the goods to be placed in the storage and transport device, the tempering volume can have ambient temperature, a temperature that is reduced compared to the ambient temperature, also referred to as cooling temperature, or a temperature that is increased compared to the ambient temperature, also referred to as heating temperature or keeping warm temperature.

If at least one item arranged in the storage and transport device is to remain cooled or even frozen, the tempering element is additionally provided and arranged in the housing body closure unit. This then results in the storage and transport unit. The same applies to the alternative embodiment in which the item arranged in the storage and transport device is to be kept warm. In this case, a tempering element is with a corresponding phase change material that enables long-term warming, for example at 37 °C. A suitable PCM for this purpose can be, for example, paraffin.

It is also conceivable to equip the tempering element with at least one identification device. Such an identification device can be an RFID tag, for example. This makes it possible to assign data to the storage and transport device with the corresponding tempering element used in order to then record and/or manage this data in a database. For example, it is conceivable that the identification device can be used to determine data on the goods stored or transported, their required temperature in the tempering volume or simply the position of the storage and transport device.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the tempering system, the regeneration magazine for the active regeneration of discharged tempering elements from storage and transport devices has at least one housing which has at least one tempering element feed and/or tempering element removal opening for tempering elements, wherein the at least one tempering element feed and/or tempering element removal opening is designed to be closable with at least one closure element, and a tempering element receiving unit arranged in the housing interior, which is designed to be equipped with tempering elements via the at least one tempering element feed and/or tempering element removal opening, and which has at least one control unit.

The regeneration magazine described here for the first time advantageously has at least one housing. The housing serves to protect the internal components, such as the temperature control element receiving unit. The housing can also accommodate the temperature control unit. This is then referred to as the internal temperature control unit. To ensure advantageous utilization of the center of gravity, the internal temperature control unit is arranged close to the bottom in or on the housing. This is not to be understood as limiting, so it is also conceivable to arrange the temperature control unit at the top on or above the housing cover. Parts of the temperature control unit can also advantageously be arranged inside the housing.

This is of course not to be understood as limiting, so it is also conceivable that an external temperature control unit can be coupled to the housing as an alternative to the internal temperature control unit. This is the case, for example, if the external temperature control unit is already present and the regeneration magazine is only functionally connected to the external temperature control unit via suitable coupling means.

Furthermore, the housing has at least one tempering element feed opening and/or at least one tempering element removal opening. Via this at least one tempering element feed opening and/or tempering element removal opening, it is possible to guide tempering elements to be regenerated into the housing, advantageously into the tempering element receiving unit, and/or to guide already regenerated tempering elements out of the housing, advantageously out of the tempering element receiving unit.

The regeneration magazine also has at least one temperature control element receiving unit, which is arranged in the housing interior. This temperature control element receiving unit proves to be advantageous because it allows the temperature control elements to be inserted to be positioned safely and reliably. This permanently ensures that the temperature control air flow required to control the temperature control elements is correctly guided. This allows the temperature control elements to be regenerated particularly effectively and quickly.

Finally, the regeneration magazine described here for the first time has at least one control unit which is designed for data evaluation, data acquisition, data processing and/or data forwarding. The data can be data from the regeneration magazine and/or the temperature control element receiving unit and/or from at least one temperature control element. This can be recorded and queried via the control unit and/or actively sent by it. This is advantageous because it allows the functionality of the regeneration magazine to be monitored. The control unit can, for example, provide error logs by means of which temperature curves or performance parameters of the regeneration magazine can be evaluated.

At least the data acquisition and/or data forwarding of data from the tempering element receiving unit is also advantageous, since this can be used to provide, for example, loading states of the tempering element receiving unit with tempering elements.

At least the data acquisition and/or data forwarding of data from at least one temperature control element is also advantageous, since, for example, its regeneration state can be recorded and provided in this way.

Thus, overall monitoring and/or control of the loading status of the temperature control element receiving unit with temperature control elements as well as the regeneration status of the individual temperature control elements and the functionality of the regeneration magazine can be provided.

In addition to this, the control unit can also have other functions. The at least one control unit can also initiate, control and/or regulate action sequences of the regeneration magazine. It is also conceivable that predeterminable action sequences are stored in the at least one control unit, which are started depending on the data recorded and advantageously also compared by the at least one control unit.

The data is recorded by the control unit and compared, for example, with the target data stored in the control unit or in an external control unit. This comparison can be carried out by the control unit or the external control unit. If a deviation from the target data is recorded, the control unit or the external control unit can abandon predetermined action sequences for this case. The control unit, in turn, can also take over control functions. In addition, the control unit can also initiate action sequences for the regeneration magazine. The action sequences required for this are advantageously stored on the control unit. The control unit advantageously has at least one microprocessor for this purpose. One possible action sequence of the regeneration magazine is, for example, that when the storage and transport device is positioned near the regeneration magazine, the control unit initiates the opening of at least one closure element so that the housing interior of the regeneration magazine is freely accessible. The operating personnel thus save themselves numerous manual steps, as they do not also have to worry about opening the regeneration magazine. The position of the storage and transport device can be recorded using an RFID tag or motion detectors. These are advantageously also connected to the data and/or communication link with at least one control unit. The control unit itself can also be understood as an active control unit of the regeneration magazine. However, it can also be controlled using an external control unit in order to initiate the action sequences.

In a further advantageous embodiment, it is conceivable that the control unit controls and regulates optical display means in the housing interior and/or on the outside of the housing. Data and/or communication connections are advantageously designed for this purpose.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the regeneration magazine, the temperature control unit can be designed as a compression refrigeration machine or absorption refrigeration machine, for example. Tempered air, cooled to a predeterminable value, here also referred to as a tempering air flow, can flow through the housing interior through the cold side and thus cool it. In the simplest case, the temperature control unit is part of the regeneration magazine. It is then referred to as an internal temperature control unit.

If an external temperature control unit is provided, which is already present on site, for example, the air flow cooled by the temperature control unit can be fed into the housing of the regeneration magazine and circulated there. If necessary, the temperature control air flow can then be fed out of the housing and into the external temperature control unit to be cooled down again there. The housing advantageously has at least two coupling sections for this purpose. The housing and external temperature control unit can be connected using these and the temperature control air flow can circulate.

In another embodiment, it is conceivable to design the internal or external temperature control unit as a heat pump. This makes it possible to heat the housing interior to a predeterminable temperature, for example higher than room temperature of 20 °C.

Consequently, the temperature control unit used here is designed for cooling compared to a room temperature of 20 °C and/or for heating compared to a room temperature of 20 °C.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the regeneration magazine, the at least one temperature control element feed and/or temperature control element removal opening is designed as an opening in a vertically aligned side surface of the housing. In the simplest case, the side surface is the front side of the regeneration magazine. This advantageously always ensures that this side surface is accessible and easy to operate. In the simplest case, the opening is designed in such a way that it only makes the interior of the housing accessible, in which the temperature control element receiving unit is arranged. The rest of the front side of the regeneration magazine towards the bottom, where, for example, parts of the internal temperature control unit are arranged, is not covered by this opening.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the regeneration magazine, the closure element for closing the opening can be designed as a two-wing element. This is This is advantageous because, when closed, both wing elements are arranged flush with each other.

If the locking element is now operated manually or the control unit sends a signal to open, both wing elements move apart and expose the opening and thus also access to the interior of the housing. If the interior of the housing is to be sealed again to prevent temperature leaks, the wing elements move back to the middle until they touch each other, butt to butt. This can be done manually or again controlled by the control unit.

In the simplest case, the wing elements can be moved, for example shifted, by a motor. Each wing can have a drive unit, for example a motor, which then changes the position of the respective wing element via a spindle drive, hydraulic drive, pneumatic drive or the like. In general, an electric and/or mechanical drive can be used here.

In an automated regeneration process, it is advantageous if the at least one closure element is automatically opened and/or automatically closed, for example via the control unit. Here, the control unit can, for example, send at least one signal to the drive unit, which causes the at least one closure element to open. At the same time, it is subsequently conceivable that the control unit triggers the closure again via at least one further signal. In the simplest case, the control unit can be prompted to trigger the corresponding signal by a presence detector. For example, when an operating personnel approaches.

In addition or as an alternative, it is also conceivable that the control unit, which can have a microcontroller and/or at least one processor, for example, receives the signal to open and/or close the at least one closure element from a central server unit. The central server unit is to be understood as a higher-level control unit. For example, the central server unit can recognize when a tempering element to be regenerated is on its way to the regeneration magazine. This can be done, for example, via the RFID tag of the tempering element or other detection means. In this way, the at least one closure element can be opened in a particularly time-efficient manner to insert the tempering element to be regenerated shortly before it arrives. If this tempering element is fed to the regeneration magazine, this can be detected by the central server unit and/or via the control unit, so that the closure element opens automatically to remove a regenerated tempering element. It is also possible for the control unit to represent the central server unit. Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the control unit and central server unit to be integrated in parallel in the automated process.

This is of course not to be understood as limiting, so it is also conceivable that the locking element is operated manually, for example by an operator. In this case, it is conceivable that no motor drive is provided. For manual operation, conventional pivot hinges have proven to be advantageous, with which the operator simply pivots the locking element open. In the simplest case, the locking element, then as an alternative to the wing elements mentioned above, is designed as a one-piece door. The operator can simply open this manually and close it again in a temperature-tight manner, for example with the help of a handle element. The locking element can also be designed in several parts, for example as a two-part wing door.

This is of course not to be understood as limiting, so that in a further alternative embodiment it is conceivable that the at least one closure element is designed as a roller shutter-like cover. In this embodiment, the closure element is opened in a vertical or horizontal direction by winding up or unwinding a link-shaped cover. This embodiment is advantageously motor-driven. The control unit advantageously forms data and/or communication connections with the cover or its motor drive unit, so that the control unit can control the motor drive, for example an electric motor, in order to change its position, for example to make the opening underneath accessible or to close it again.

However, this is not limiting, so it is also conceivable that the locking element can be opened and closed manually by an operator by applying pulling and pushing forces. The locking element can also be made up of several parts, for example as a two-part roller shutter-like cover.

Finally, in a further alternative embodiment, it is conceivable to design the closure element not as a physical door, but as a tempered air curtain. Advantageously, at least one cold air curtain can be provided, advantageously additionally a warm air curtain flowing over it, which separates the predetermined temperature in the housing interior from the ambient temperature. temperature. The combination of cold air curtain and warm air curtain reduces the amount of mixed air. The opening is closed and temperature-stable thanks to the curtain combination, advantageously thermally insulated. However, the operating personnel or even a robot can easily reach through the curtain combination into the housing interior and insert or remove the temperature control element. An additional opening mechanism is not required.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the regeneration magazine, the temperature control element receiving unit has at least one holding frame in which a plurality of air guide elements are arranged. The holding frame is advantageously arranged in the housing interior. It can be arranged directly on the inner wall of the housing.

It is also advantageous if the holding frame is arranged at a distance from the inner wall of the housing interior. This can be done, for example, using spacers. This enables a controlled guidance of the air flow, which is used to control the temperature of the temperature control elements in the temperature control element receiving unit and which is generated by the temperature control unit.

The holding frame can be made of metal. This is an advantage because metal has very good thermal conductivity and can therefore further support the time-effective temperature control of the temperature control elements.

The support frame has several air guide elements so that the temperature control elements can be arranged in a controlled and uniform manner inside the housing. These can be designed to guide the tempered air flow, also known as the temperature control air flow, and to accommodate the temperature control elements.

The air guide elements are advantageously made of metal. This is an advantage because metal has very good thermal conductivity and can therefore further support the time-effective temperature control of the temperature control elements that at least partially rest on it.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the air guide elements used here are at least partially V-shaped. The surface located below the tempering element arranged thereon is advantageously V-shaped. The V-shape converges centrally under the tempering element so that a channel is formed.

This channel advantageously has at least one opening, preferably several openings. These openings prove to be advantageous for directing downwards any condensate that may arise during the regeneration of the temperature control elements.

It is also conceivable that the V-shaped geometry of the air guide element forms its base section. It is also conceivable that the base section of at least one air guide element, advantageously all air guide elements of the tempering element receiving unit, has lateral limiting guide elements which extend at least partially vertically upwards or at an angle to the base section. The limiting guide elements can advantageously have through-openings. This allows the tempering air flow to be guided in an additional controlled manner when the regeneration magazine is in use.

The usage state is the state in which the tempering air flow circulates in the housing and tempering elements arranged therein are regenerated, for example cooled or heated.

Alternatively, it is also possible to do without the support frame. In this case, the air guide elements are fixed directly to the interior walls of the housing.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the regeneration magazine, the air guide elements are arranged vertically one above the other or horizontally next to each other at a distance from each other. This advantageously forms spatial boundaries which, together with the holding frame and/or the housing interior wall, can also be referred to as regeneration compartments. The spatial boundary between two air guide elements is advantageously such that a tempering element can be positioned between these two air guide elements. In one possible embodiment, the distances between two air guide elements arranged adjacent to each other can be selected to be at least 5 to 25% larger than the thickness of the tempering element to be arranged between them.

For example, if the temperature control element has a thickness of 5 cm, the distance between two air guide elements is in the range of 5.5 cm to 6.25 cm. This ensures a high level of space efficiency. In addition, this distance also ensures that the air flow generated by the cooling unit and guided through the interior of the housing also reaches the airflow arranged in the regeneration compartments. The air can at least partially flow around the tempering elements. The flow around advantageously takes place at least along the surface of the tempering elements. The flow around the surface is more advantageous and at least partially along the lower surface facing the air guide element. It is even more advantageous if the air flow can also be guided perpendicular to these first two flow directions.

This enables highly efficient, i.e. particularly rapid regeneration, i.e. restoration of the serviceable condition of the temperature control elements.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the regeneration magazine, each regeneration compartment can be assigned a closure element. This is advantageous because it saves energy, as only small openings are formed in the housing when it is opened. In the simplest case, the closure elements are provided with a pivoting or folding mechanism.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the regeneration magazine, the air guide elements are arranged vertically one above the other or horizontally next to each other at a distance from each other. This is advantageous because it allows for flexible response to spatial requirements.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the regeneration magazine, each regeneration compartment has at least one sensor element which is coupled to the control unit, wherein the at least one sensor element detects a temperature in the respective regeneration compartment and/or its loading state and/or data of the tempering element arranged therein. This is advantageous because it can be used to provide data for the regeneration state of the tempering elements, data of the regeneration magazine and data of the tempering unit. This is particularly useful when the regeneration magazine is used in an automated storage and/or transport system.

The sensor element is advantageously designed as a capacitive sensor, inductive sensor or weight sensor. This means that the loading status of the regeneration compartment can at least be recorded and processed by the control unit. For example, in the case of non-automated operation, the loading status of a compartment can be displayed using optical display elements. Different colored LEDs, lamps or other lighting devices are conceivable as optical display elements. These display devices can be arranged on the inside wall of the housing, the holding frame at the level of each regeneration compartment and/or on the outside of the housing. This allows the operating personnel to quickly determine where there is space for a temperature control element to be regenerated.

It is also conceivable that a timer is started when the regeneration compartment is loaded, i.e. when a temperature control element to be regenerated is placed in it and the respective sensor element detects the loading. This can be done via the control unit. Another display visually shows the regeneration status of the temperature control element. LEDs of different colors or other lighting devices are conceivable as another optical display. These display devices can be arranged on the inside wall of the housing, the holding frame at the level of each regeneration compartment and/or on the outside of the housing. This allows the operating personnel to quickly determine which temperature control element has already been sufficiently regenerated, i.e. recharged.

It is also conceivable that the sensor element is designed as an optical or optoelectronic detection device. In the simplest case, the sensor element can be designed as a light barrier or light sensor. If, for example, a tempering element is inserted into the corresponding regeneration compartment, the light barrier is interrupted and the control unit detects that the regeneration compartment is occupied. When the light barrier is interrupted, a time run can be started. The control unit is responsible for this, in order to record and process the time run.

The control unit also advantageously initiates action sequences when a temperature control element has remained in the regeneration magazine for a sufficiently long time. For example, an optical display can then be changed by the control unit. For example, the optical display can be switched from red "Regeneration" to green "Charged".

It is also conceivable that the sensor element is designed as a spring-loaded pin. If a tempering element is inserted into the tempering element receiving unit, the pin can be actuated with a corresponding force during insertion. The deflection of the pin is to be understood as a signal for the positive loading state of the regeneration compartment. If the tempering element is removed again, the pin is guided back to its starting position. The regeneration compartment is displayed as "empty". This display can advantageously be initiated by the control unit.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the regeneration magazine, the control unit can be coupled to an external control unit This allows the data from the control unit to be further processed accordingly. For this purpose, the data from the control unit can either be queried by the external control unit or actively sent to it. This is advantageous if the regeneration magazine described here for the first time is integrated into an automated storage and/or transport process. In the automated storage and/or transport process of goods, using temperature-controlled storage and transport devices, the control of the regeneration magazine described here and/or data acquisition of the temperature control elements can take place via a server and/or cloud-based. Wireless or wired communication takes place. This communication can take place between the external control unit and the regeneration magazine or, more advantageously, between the external control unit and the control unit of the regeneration magazine. This is advantageously done via the known standard protocols such as Bluetooth(R), WI-FI or the like. It is also conceivable that the control unit described here is designed as a local control unit for the regeneration magazine. This always depends on whether complete integration into an automated process is desired or whether operating personnel are used.

This is of course not to be understood as limiting, so that it is also conceivable that the external control unit is completely dispensed with and only the control unit takes over the control of the regeneration magazine and the communication with the at least one detection device, advantageously with numerous detection devices. This is the case when the regeneration magazine described here for the first time is operated manually by operating personnel. The detection devices and the at least one control unit are then in data and/or communication connections. Depending on the involvement of operating personnel, the associated action sequences which the detection device and control unit can initiate can be provided more or less automatically.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the regeneration magazine can have at least one motion detector and/or one presence detector. This allows the automated opening of the closure element to take place effectively and the entry of false air into the regeneration magazine can be further minimized. The at least one motion detector and/or one presence detector is advantageously in data and/or communication connection with the control unit, so that when the "movement detected" signal is transmitted, the control unit starts the action sequence which opens the at least one closure element of the regeneration magazine.

The action sequence is advantageously understood to mean the processing of a work block, which is selected based on the recorded data and/or signals and processed by the control unit and/or the recording unit depending on the data and/or signals. The processing also usually requires the control of other components, for example to change their performance or position. The action sequences are advantageously stored in the control unit and/or the recording device and/or the external control unit and can be queried from one another accordingly.

Furthermore, in an advantageous embodiment, a display device can be provided on the front side, via which the interior of the housing is loaded with temperature control elements, and/or generally connected to the housing. This display device can be designed as a screen, which shows the loading status of the regeneration magazine and/or the regeneration status of the individual temperature control elements, as recorded by the control unit. If the loading status is changed and/or the regeneration status changes, this is recorded by the control unit and updated and displayed on the screen. In addition, the control unit can also record the change in the loading status over time.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the housing and/or the at least one closure element is designed to be insulated. Known materials can be used for the insulation, for example insulating foams or vacuum panels. When it comes to insulation, it has proven advantageous to insert the insulation in a sandwich-like manner. This results in a multi-layered structure of the housing and/or the at least one closure element. The insulation is enclosed by housing surface parts and/or closure element surfaces. The temperature specified in the housing interior is set via the temperature control unit.

In a further advantageous embodiment, it is conceivable to design the housing of the regeneration magazine so that it can be stacked. In this way, numerous temperature control elements can be provided and regenerated at the same time. In the simplest case, this stackability can be achieved using a tongue and groove mechanism. This allows regeneration magazines to be coupled next to one another and/or on top of one another and/or one below the other and thus stacked. The temperature control system described here can also advantageously have two or more regeneration magazines.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the intermediate floor, which is advantageously arranged below the evaporator and which, for example, separates the compressor from the rest of the housing, can be modified. The intermediate floor is particularly advantageously designed to be heatable. For this purpose, at least one heating element is embedded in the intermediate floor and/or arranged on it and/or under it. The heating element can be designed as a heating cable. This is advantageous because it allows the intermediate floor to be heated so that any dripping water from the temperature control elements arranged above it does not freeze on the intermediate floor and thick layers of ice form there. This would also limit the function of the evaporator after a while. It is therefore important to also drain the dripping water in liquid form. This is successfully achieved by heating the intermediate floor. In the simplest case, the intermediate floor is foamed. This also means that the at least one heating element can be easily inserted. The at least one heating element can advantageously be regulated and controlled by the control unit. This makes it possible to provide a particularly energy-efficient process.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the temperature control element receiving unit can have at least one interrupted side section. The lateral side sections of the temperature control element receiving unit that extend in the vertical direction are not fully formed in this case. They are formed from several strips, so that vertical longitudinal openings are required. These can be continuous in the vertical direction and/or interrupted in the vertical direction. These strips are advantageously made of metal, for example sheet metal. The arrangement of the sheets in combination with the longitudinal openings create a uniform pressure loss and thus ensure uniform flushing of the temperature control elements over the height of the displays. The longitudinal openings and the strips can advantageously be designed variably, so that different flow areas can be formed between the strips depending on the pressure of the temperature control air flow.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the regeneration magazine, the temperature control element feed opening and the temperature control element discharge opening are provided in a vertically aligned side surface of the housing, with the temperature control element feed opening and the temperature control element discharge opening being arranged at a distance from one another in the vertical direction. This is particularly advantageous in terms of energy, since only small areas are opened at any one time. The predetermined temperature in the housing interior can thus be reliably maintained, despite the opening or openings.

The resulting significant limitation of the supply and/or discharge area of temperature control elements on the side surface of the regeneration magazine significantly reduces the ingress of false air, for example ambient air. This is advantageous because it can significantly reduce the formation of frost on the evaporator.

It has proven to be particularly advantageous if the tempering element feed opening is designed above the tempering element discharge opening, which is arranged vertically offset therefrom. In this way, tempering elements to be regenerated can be introduced into the housing interior from above, preferably into the tempering element receiving unit. If a regenerated tempering element is required, this can be made available in a removable manner from the tempering element receiving unit via the tempering element discharge opening.

Depending on the design, it is conceivable that the temperature control element discharge opening and the temperature control element feed opening are arranged on the same side surface, for example the front side. However, this is not to be understood as limiting, so it is also conceivable that the temperature control element discharge opening and the temperature control element feed opening are arranged on two different side surfaces.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the regeneration magazine, both the temperature control element feed opening and the temperature control element discharge opening are each designed to be closable with a closure element for closing the respective opening. This is advantageous because both closure elements can be opened independently of one another, so that the predetermined temperature in the housing interior is little influenced by the opening. The ingress of false air into the housing interior is significantly limited. The closure elements are advantageously designed to be motorized, for example each provided with an electric motor. The control unit advantageously forms data and/or communication connections with each electric motor, so that the control unit can control the electric motors independently of one another in order to change the position of the closure elements, for example to make the openings underneath accessible or to close them again.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the regeneration magazine, the temperature control element receiving unit has at least one holding frame, which has a plurality of separating elements for the individual arrangement of the The holding frame is used to hold the tempering elements, which are to be regenerated, i.e. recharged, in the regeneration magazine.

In this embodiment, separating elements are arranged laterally on the holding frame, offset from one another in vertical extension. In this embodiment, at least separating elements and holding frames form the tempering element receiving unit. The separating elements are designed as projections. They serve to deposit and/or grip the tempering elements that can be arranged at least partially on them in sections.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the regeneration magazine, the separating elements are arranged on at least two opposing inner walls of the holding frame, offset from one another. This advantageously forms a zigzag-shaped movement path for the tempering elements to be regenerated in the tempering element receiving unit. The tempering elements slide in a zigzag shape in the tempering element receiving unit, starting from the tempering element feed opening downwards in the direction of the tempering element discharge opening. If, for example, a tempering element is introduced into the upper tempering element feed opening, it slides through the geometrically predetermined gap until it makes contact with another tempering element.

The separating elements are designed in such a way that only a section of a tempering element can be arranged on the respective separating element. The tempering element itself is therefore positioned at an angle to the holding frame.

If a temperature control element is removed from below through the temperature control element removal opening, the remaining temperature control elements slide downwards. This takes place on a zigzag movement path. This is determined by the separating elements. The continuous sliding also breaks up any possible icing of the temperature control elements arranged in the gap. This is of course only the case if the temperature control elements are designed as cooling elements and are cooled in the regeneration magazine in order to be regenerated.

In an alternative embodiment, separating elements are dispensed with. Here, the tempering element receiving unit has at least one holding frame, the at least two inner surfaces of which, lying opposite one another, each have at least one C-shaped, S-shaped or multiple S-shaped winding course in the vertical extension. This geometric design determines the movement path of the tempering elements.

If, for example, two opposing side surfaces of the holding frame are formed in an S-shape, an intermediate space is created between these two side surfaces that is also wound in an S-shape. The two side surfaces are advantageously spaced apart from one another in such a way that the space they form is large enough to accommodate vertically aligned tempering elements. These can, for example, be stacked in this intermediate space. In the simplest case, the tempering elements are stacked on top of one another.

If, for example, a tempering element is inserted into the upper tempering element feed opening, it slips through the geometrically predetermined gap until it makes contact with another tempering element.

However, if a temperature control element is removed via the temperature control element removal opening, the other temperature control elements arranged in the gap slide down. The advantageous geometric C-shape, S-shape and/or multiple S-shape of the gap prevents the temperature control elements from tilting as they slide down. It has proven to be particularly advantageous if the lowest temperature control element, which can therefore be removed next from the temperature control element removal opening, is at least partially decoupled from the temperature control element stack arranged above it. This is achieved by arranging the last temperature control element directly in front of the temperature control element removal opening so that it can be easily removed from it. The temperature control element arranged adjacent to this, i.e. the penultimate temperature control element of the temperature control element stack, is tilted, i.e. arranged at an angle, relative to the last temperature control element. This significantly reduces friction via the surface load. This means that the last, lowest temperature control element can always be removed from the system easily and without great effort. This inclination of the penultimate tempering element is advantageously formed by the geometric design of at least one side section of the holding frame. This can be done, for example, by having a lateral offset. This inclination of the penultimate tempering element to be removed is thus formed when the tempering element stack slides down. The lateral offset can be formed, for example, as a curve or kink, which narrows the gap in the lower area near the tempering element removal opening. This ensures the inclination of the penultimate tempering element. If the lowest tempering element is then removed, the angled, penultimate tempering element slides down and takes the position of the last tempering element removed.

The continuous sliding also breaks up any possible icing of the tempering elements arranged in the gap. This is of course only the case if the tempering elements are designed as cooling elements and are cooled in the regeneration magazine in order to be regenerated again.

This is of course not to be understood as limiting, so it is also conceivable that the intermediate space is designed to be inclined, i.e. slide-like, in addition to or as an alternative to the C-shape, S-shape and/or multiple S-shape. This geometry is also advantageous for removing the temperature control elements to be regenerated. For example, it is conceivable that a temperature control element slides out directly when the temperature control element discharge opening is open. Active removal is not necessary in this case. The lowest temperature control element can be released directly when the corresponding closure element is opened. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the lowest temperature control element is held in position by a holding means until the closure element of the temperature control element discharge opening is completely open. The temperature control element can then be released by moving the holding element back. This is advantageously controlled via the control unit. The control unit advantageously forms data and/or communication connections with the holding element. The control unit can control the drive unit to change its position, for example to release the tempering element.

Alternatively, a rectangular temperature control element stack can be formed in a rectangularly spanned holding frame. In this embodiment, the lowest temperature control element, which is ready to be conveyed out of the regeneration magazine through the temperature control element discharge opening, can be moved by means of a drive unit. The drive unit can, for example, be designed as a motor and connected to a sliding element. The lowest temperature control element from this stack can then be conveyed out of the regeneration magazine using a motor drive. Due to the necessary force and the risk of tipping, a motor drive is preferred here over manual operation by operating personnel. This advantageously makes it possible to overcome the friction generated by the surface load. The control unit advantageously forms data and/or communication connections with the motor so that the control unit can control the motor to change the position of the sliding element, for example to release the temperature control element.

In a further advantageous embodiment, it is conceivable that a guide element is directly connected to the temperature control element discharge opening. This can also be designed to be inclined downwards towards the floor. In this way, a released, regenerated temperature control element can be discharged from the temperature control element discharge opening in order to slide into a positioning unit of a storage and transport device, for example. The guide element can be designed as a track, for example. In one possible embodiment, the temperature control element actively released from the regeneration magazine can, for example, slide over this track in order to then land directly in the positioning unit of the storage and transport device. In the best case, the positive and non-positive connection between the positioning unit and the "fresh" temperature control element is also formed here.

The positioning of the empty positioning unit can advantageously be carried out by the robot arm or by operating personnel. If operating personnel are used, it is conceivable to position the positioning unit with the housing body closure unit arranged on it in a holder provided for this purpose.

The control unit, in turn, has a data and/or communication connection with this holder and records, for example, the positioning of the housing body locking unit. The control unit can then start the sequence of actions so that a loaded temperature control element is automatically released from the regeneration magazine and slides into the positioning unit.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the regeneration magazine, it has at least one sensor element at the temperature control element discharge opening and/or at the temperature control element feed opening. This can optionally be designed to be coupled to the control unit, for example to have a data and/or communication connection with it. The at least one sensor element advantageously detects when a temperature control element is fed to the regeneration magazine through the temperature control element feed opening and/or when a temperature control element is removed from the regeneration magazine through the temperature control element discharge opening. This advantageously makes it possible to always ensure that it is clear whether there are free loading positions in the regeneration magazine.

If, for example, 20 loading positions are provided, 20 temperature control elements can be accommodated. If all loading positions are occupied, an optical signal can be issued via the control unit, for example.

This means that the loading status of the intermediate space and thus of the temperature control element receiving unit can at least be recorded and processed by the control unit. For example, in the case of non-automated operation, the loading status can be displayed as an optical signal using optical display elements. Different colored LEDs or other lighting devices are conceivable as optical display elements. These display devices can be arranged on the outside of the housing.

It is also conceivable that the at least one sensor element is designed as an optical or optoelectronic detection means. In the simplest case, the sensor element can be designed as a light barrier or light sensor. If, for example, a tempering element is inserted into the tempering element feed opening, the light barrier is interrupted. The control unit detects that a tempering element to be regenerated is inserted. A loading position is thus occupied. When the light barrier is interrupted, a time run can be started. The control unit is responsible for this, in order to record and process the time run and to start any action sequences that depend on it.

1. a. Erzeugen eines gerichteten Temperierluftstroms über eine Temperiereinheit;
2. b. wobei der Temperierluftstrom auf einem Strömungspfad durch den Gehäuseinnenraum geführt wird, um im Gehäuseinnenraum gerichtet zu zirkulieren;
3. c. wobei hierbei der Temperierluftstrom wenigstens teilweise jedes Temperierelement in jedem Regenerationsfach umspült; und d. wobei die Kontrolleinheit wenigstens das Beladen eines Regenerationsfaches und/oder Entladen eines Regenerationsfaches erfasst und/oder verarbeitet.

Furthermore, the operation of a regeneration magazine is also disclosed with at least the following steps:

1. a. Generating a directed tempering air flow via a tempering unit;
2. b. wherein the tempering air flow is guided on a flow path through the housing interior in order to circulate in a directed manner in the housing interior;
3. c. wherein the tempering air flow at least partially flows around each tempering element in each regeneration compartment; and d. wherein the control unit detects and/or processes at least the loading of a regeneration compartment and/or the unloading of a regeneration compartment.

Furthermore, the air flow generated in the regeneration magazine can be understood as an active air flow or an active, divisible flow path. The temperature control unit actively introduces the air into the housing interior from below. The temperature control element receiving unit is arranged in the housing interior. The temperature-controlled, for example cooled air, is advantageously actively guided upwards towards the temperature control element receiving unit by an air flow guide device, for example a fan. This can be achieved by active blowing or suction. In particular, active suction can act on the heat exchanger surfaces more effectively. Due to the continuous supply of air, the temperature control air flow in the housing interior is guided along the temperature control element receiving unit and through it. The flow path therefore splits here. As a result, the temperature control elements, which are accommodated by the temperature control element receiving unit, are regenerated and re-tempered, for example cooled or heated.

The air flow heats up and flows out of the other side of the temperature control element holder unit, towards the evaporator. There the air flow is re-tempered and the cycle begins again.

Consequently, an active, continuous circulation of the tempering air flow is formed within the regeneration magazine. The tempering air flow is actively guided and circulates permanently in the regeneration magazine. The active guidance is advantageously formed by at least parts of the tempering unit, for example the evaporator and air flow guide device. This means that the tempering elements arranged in the regeneration magazine can also be actively tempered, for example cooled or heated. The tempering elements are advantageously designed in such a way that they can repeatedly go through this regeneration process in the regeneration magazine described here.

Furthermore, the tempering air flow within the housing can be actively blown through the housing interior using the tempering unit or sucked through the housing interior. This allows the air flow direction to be adjusted and changed. In addition, continuous circulation and regeneration of the tempering air flow is ensured. This means that the tempering elements can be regenerated effectively and quickly, for example in 2 hours or less. It is advantageous for the control unit to also have a data and/or communication connection with the tempering unit. For example, the performance of the tempering unit can be set and varied via the control unit. This is advantageously done depending on the loading status of the magazine.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the temperature control system further comprises at least one conveyor unit. This is advantageous because it allows the connection between the mobile storage and transport device and the static regeneration magazine to be formed. In the simplest embodiment, the conveyor unit can be designed as a conveyor belt. Depending on the size and distance between the storage and transport devices and the regeneration magazine, several conveyor units can also be provided. This advantageously creates transport paths.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the conveyor unit has at least one conveyor unit control unit for forming data and/or communication connections. These connections can advantageously be formed to an external control unit, to detection devices, to the control unit and/or to at least one robot. For example, in a semi-automated process of exchanging the tempering element, the operating personnel can place a storage and transport device whose tempering element is unloaded onto a conveyor unit. This change in weight, which the conveyor unit control unit detects, activates the motor drive of the conveyor unit and the conveyor unit transports the storage and transport device arranged on it to a predetermined position. There, for example, the operating personnel can take over again and exchange the unloaded tempering element in different ways, as described several times above.

The temperature control system described here is therefore particularly universal and adaptable. Thanks to the different designs of the physical components, such as the storage and transport devices and the regeneration magazines, in combination with the different non-physical facilities and units, almost any operational requirement can be met.

Complete manual operation of the temperature control system with operating personnel is possible.

Furthermore, with adjustments, semi-automated operation is also possible, in which the operating personnel only performs partial tasks.

Finally, a fully automated operation of the temperature control system is also possible, in which the non-physical units and devices, such as the recording device, control unit, monitoring unit, initiate predetermined action sequences depending on the determined data.

Example 1: Manual use of the temperature control system by

Operating personnel

The recording device of a storage and transport device continuously records the data of at least one temperature sensor unit of the tempering volume of the storage and transport device itself. This recorded data is compared by the recording device with previously defined target values. If a deviation from the target values is found, the tempering element is no longer sufficiently charged. It can no longer cool sufficiently and must be replaced in order to continue to cool the stored goods sufficiently.

The detection device emits at least one optical signal, for example through a light source. This indicates to the staff that the temperature control element needs to be replaced. Alternatively or in addition to this, a display can also be arranged on a screen so that the operating staff can see which storage and transport device is no longer cooling properly.

The operating personnel grasps the storage and transport device and transports it, still closed, to the regeneration magazine. The operating personnel approaches the regeneration magazine with the temperature control element to be regenerated. In the simplest case, the regeneration magazine must also be operated manually by the operating personnel.

If the operating personnel is standing in front of the regeneration magazine with only one, optionally multi-part, locking element, they operate it. The locking element is opened by applying force, exerted by the operating personnel, and the interior of the housing becomes accessible. The operating personnel can now see the regeneration compartments and quickly and easily recognize which regeneration compartment is free using the optical display means in the form of LEDs. This can be done, for example, using a yellow LED. The operating personnel can freely choose from the unoccupied regeneration compartments. The operating personnel inserts the tempering element into a free regeneration compartment. There, at least one sensor element recognizes the presence of the tempering element. A timer can optionally be started, during which the time is recorded for how long the tempering element has already been in the regeneration compartment. This is initiated by the control unit. At the same time, the optical display means can be switched off or change color so that the operating personnel are shown that the tempering element has been successfully positioned and is loaded. This is initiated by the control unit.

If the operating personnel require a tempering element that has already been regenerated, i.e. charged, they can easily see the different regeneration states of the tempering elements arranged in the regeneration magazine using the optical display means in the form of LEDs. If the tempering elements are sufficiently charged, i.e. have been arranged in a regeneration compartment for at least a predeterminable time value, the display means can indicate in green, for example, that the tempering element is charged and can be removed.

If the operating personnel removes the tempering element, the sensor element detects the changed loading status and the display can change its color to indicate an empty status. This control of sensor elements and display devices is preferably carried out via the control unit.

Finally, the closing element is closed again by the operating personnel. The advantage is that the tempered air flow continues to flow through the interior of the housing even when a closing element is opened.

In addition, in this example it is conceivable that the actuation of the locking element can also be motor-driven and initiated via the control unit.

The operating personnel guides the "fresh" tempering element into the positioning unit and closes the storage and transport device again. Advantageously, the action sequence of the recording device starts again when the storage and transport device is closed, namely that it continuously records and advantageously compares the data of at least one temperature sensor unit of the tempering volume of its own storage and transport device.

Example 2: Semi-automated use with operating personnel

The recording device of a storage and transport device continuously records the data of at least one temperature sensor unit of the tempering volume of the storage and transport device itself. This recorded data is compared by the recording device with previously defined target values. If a deviation from the target values is found, the tempering element is no longer sufficiently charged. It can no longer heat sufficiently and must be replaced in order to continue to heat the stored goods sufficiently.

The detection device emits at least one optical signal, for example through a light source. This indicates to the staff that the temperature control element needs to be replaced. Alternatively or in addition to this, a display can also be arranged on a screen so that the operating staff can see which storage and transport device is no longer cooling properly.

The operating personnel picks up the storage and transport device and places it on or in a conveyor unit. This detects the load and starts transporting the storage and transport device arranged on it to a predetermined position. This can be the regeneration magazine, for example.

The control unit of the regeneration magazine can detect the change in position of the storage and transport device, for example track it. Once the storage and transport device has arrived at the regeneration magazine, the control unit causes at least one closure element to be opened. The interior of the housing becomes accessible. The operating personnel can now see the regeneration compartments and quickly and easily recognize which regeneration compartment is free using the optical display means in the form of LEDs. This can be done using a yellow LED, for example. The operating personnel can freely choose from the unoccupied regeneration compartments. The operating personnel insert the tempering element into a free regeneration compartment. There, the at least one sensor element detects the presence of the tempering element. A timer can optionally be started, during which the time is recorded for how long the tempering element has already been in the regeneration compartment. This is initiated by the control unit. At the same time, the optical display means can be switched off or change color so that the operating personnel are shown that the tempering element has been successfully positioned and is being loaded. This is initiated by the control unit.

If the operating personnel require a tempering element that has already been regenerated, i.e. charged, they can easily see the different regeneration states of the tempering elements arranged in the regeneration magazine using the optical display means in the form of LEDs. If the tempering elements are sufficiently charged, i.e. have been arranged in a regeneration compartment for at least a predeterminable time value, the display means can indicate in green, for example, that the tempering element can be charged and removed.

If the operating personnel removes the tempering element, the sensor element detects the changed loading status and the display changes its color to indicate empty. This control of sensor elements and display means is advantageously carried out via the control unit.

Finally, the control unit causes at least one closure element to close again. Advantageously, the tempered air flow continues to flow through the housing interior even while a closure element is opening.

The operating personnel guides the "fresh" tempering element into the positioning unit and closes the storage and transport device again. Advantageously, the action sequence of the recording device starts again when the storage and transport device is closed, namely that it continuously records and advantageously compares the data of at least one temperature sensor unit of the tempering volume of its own storage and transport device.

Example 3: Automated use without operating personnel

The recording device of a storage and transport device continuously records the data of at least one temperature sensor unit of the tempering volume of the storage and transport device itself. This recorded data is compared by the recording device with previously defined target values. If a deviation from the target values is found, the tempering element is no longer sufficiently charged. It can no longer cool sufficiently and must be replaced in order to continue to cool the stored goods sufficiently.

The detection device outputs at least one signal to a robot, which picks up the storage and transport device and takes it to the regeneration magazine.

The control unit of the regeneration magazine can detect the change in position of the storage and transport device, for example track it. When the storage and transport device has arrived at the regeneration magazine, the control unit causes at least one closure element to be opened. The interior of the housing becomes accessible. At the same time, the robot can open the storage and transport device, remove the discharged tempering element and feed it to the regeneration magazine via a tempering element feed opening. The tempering element that has been in the regeneration magazine the longest can now be released from the tempering element discharge opening using sliding elements, holding elements or other automated dispensing means. The "fresh" tempering element can slide into the empty positioning unit via a track. Alternatively, it can also be picked up by the robot and then arranged in the positioning unit.

A timer can optionally be started, during which the time is recorded for how long the tempering elements have been in the regeneration compartment. This is initiated by the control unit. If the regeneration magazine has a tempering element feed opening and a separate tempering element removal opening, the time recording is of secondary importance, since the lowest tempering element, which is located directly next to the tempering element removal opening, is always removed.

Finally, the control unit causes at least one closure element to close again. Advantageously, the tempered air flow continues to flow through the housing interior even while a closure element is opening.

The robot closes the storage and transport device again. Advantageously, when the storage and transport device is closed, the action sequence of the detection device starts again, namely that it continuously records the data of at least one temperature sensor unit of the tempering volume of its own storage and transport device and advantageously compares it.

Further advantages, features and design options emerge from the following description of figures of non-limiting embodiments.

Short description of the drawings

• 1 eine beispielhafte Lager- oder Transporteinheit;
• 2 ein beispielhaftes Lager- und Transporteinheit;
• 3 eine schematische dreidimensionale Ansicht einer Ausführungsform eines Regenerationsmagazins mit interner Temperiereinheit;
• 4 eine Frontalansicht der Ausführungsform eines Regenerationsmagazins aus 1 mit geöffnetem Verschlusselement;
• 5a einen vergrößerten Ausschnitt eines Regenerationsmagazin mit Zwischenboden;
• 5b eine perspektivische Seitenansicht eines Gehäuseinnenraums;
• 5c eine weitere Schnittansicht der in 5 gezeigten Frontalansicht;
• 6 eine perspektivische Ansicht einer weiteren Ausführungsform eines Regenerationsmagazins;
• 7 eine Schnittansicht einer nochmals weiteren Ausführungsform eines Regenerationsmagazins; und
• 8 eine Schnittansicht einer nochmals weiteren Ausführungsform des Regenerationsmagazins.

In the drawings shows:

• 1 an exemplary storage or transport unit;
• 2 an exemplary storage and transport unit;
• 3 a schematic three-dimensional view of an embodiment of a regeneration magazine with internal temperature control unit;
• 4 a front view of the embodiment of a regeneration magazine from 1 with the locking element open;
• 5a an enlarged section of a regeneration magazine with intermediate floor;
• 5b a perspective side view of a housing interior;
• 5c another sectional view of the 5 shown frontal view;
• 6 a perspective view of another embodiment of a regeneration magazine;
• 7 a sectional view of yet another embodiment of a regeneration magazine; and
• 8 a sectional view of yet another embodiment of the regeneration magazine.

In the drawings, elements provided with the same reference symbols correspond essentially to one another, unless otherwise stated. Furthermore, we refrain from showing and describing components that are not essential to understanding the technical teaching disclosed herein. In the following, the reference symbols are not repeated for all elements already introduced and shown, provided that the elements themselves and their function have already been described or are known to a person skilled in the art.

Detailed description of implementation examples

In 1 an exploded view of the storage and transport device 100 is shown. This has a housing body 2. In this embodiment, the housing body 2 is designed as a box that is open at the top. The housing body 2 is spatially limited by the side walls 2a and the base 2b. The housing body 2 thus spans the tempering volume 4.

Furthermore, it has proven to be advantageous if the housing body 2 is designed to be insulated at least in sections, preferably completely. This can be achieved, for example, using conventional insulating foams or insulating materials. This means that the required temperature in the tempering volume can be maintained for a long time, particularly when cooling is required or for keeping warm.

Furthermore, the storage and transport device 100 has a housing body closure unit 6. This can also be referred to as a cover. The housing body closure unit 6 first has the carrier 8. This is designed like a plate. The detection device 12 is provided on the top side 10 of the carrier 8.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, two gripping elements 14 are arranged on the upper side 10, by means of which the carrier 8 and thus the entire housing body closure unit 6 can be lifted off, for example vertically. In addition to the gripping elements 14 shown here, recessed grips, handgrips or the like are also conceivable.

However, for stacking several closed storage and transport devices 100 on top of each other, the handle elements should not protrude beyond the carrier 8. This would make stacking impossible. It has therefore proven advantageous to design the upper side 10 in a trough-like manner, so that the handle elements 14 and the detection device 12 are arranged at the same height or lower than the actual edge of the carrier 8. These components are thus arranged effectively and the storage and transport device 100 is still stackable.

The positioning unit 18 is arranged on the carrier bottom surface 16. This positioning unit 18 can accommodate tempering elements 1102 and thus temper the tempering volume 4. In this embodiment, the positioning unit 18 has two guide elements 20 so that the positioning unit 18 can accommodate a tempering element (not shown). The two guide elements 20 are also designed as L-shaped strip elements in this embodiment. The strip elements are firmly connected to the carrier bottom surface 16, for example screwed. The strip elements are arranged at a distance from one another so that the L-shaped legs are arranged facing one another.

Furthermore, the two strip elements have several flow ribs 21, which are spaced from each other by openings (not shown here).

Furthermore, the spacing element 22 is arranged on the inner housing body base 2b. The spacing element 22 is designed like a grid, so that a particularly effective air flow is possible.

Furthermore, the spacing element 22 has numerous spacers 24, which can also be understood as feet. These spacers 24 form a spacing of the support surface 26 of the spacing element 22 from the inner housing body base 2b. Thus, the spacing element 22 does not lie completely on the housing body base 2b. The spacers 26 further improve the air circulation in the state of use, i.e. when the housing body 2 is closed with the housing body closure unit 6 and can be advantageously tempered. goods are contained therein. The at least one item of goods to be arranged in the closed storage and transport device 100 is then placed on the support surface 26.

To improve the tightness, seals (not shown separately here) such as circumferential sealing strips, sealing rings or the like can advantageously be arranged between the housing body closure unit 6 and the housing body 2. In the simplest case, these are glued or welded to one of the two components.

In the case of cooling of the tempering volume 4 from below, the two guide elements 20 are limited by an air guide element 32. This allows cold reflection to be formed. In addition, the cooled air flow flows to the edges of the air guide element 32 and thus falls down at the edges into the tempering volume. This advantageously results in indirect cooling of the goods arranged in the storage and transport device 100. These are not directly exposed to the cooled air, which could damage their quality and use.

However, if goods are introduced into the storage and transport device 100 which are not damaged by direct cooling or heating, the air guiding element 32 can also be dispensed with.

2 shows again the same view as 1 , so that identical components also correspond to identical reference symbols and are not explained again here.

In contrast to 1 , now shows 2 the storage and transport unit 1100. In addition to the storage and transport device 100, the tempering element 1102 to be arranged in its positioning unit 18 is also shown here. The position of the guide elements 20 on the carrier underside 16 is advantageously predetermined by the geometry of the tempering element 1102 to be accommodated. Due to the advantageous L-shape, the tempering element 1102 can be easily and quickly inserted between the two strip elements and at the same time gripped underneath. This ensures the positioning of the tempering element 1102 in a simple and effective manner. The tempering element 1102 has a regular number of through-openings 34. These further increase the effectiveness of the passive tempering of the tempering volume 4 and the flow of the tempered, for example cooled or warm air within the tempering volume 4.

In 3 a schematic three-dimensional view of a regeneration magazine 200 with internal temperature control unit 202 is shown. Parts of the temperature control unit 202 are arranged in the lower section near the floor.

The housing 204 is advantageously made of metal and in this embodiment is larger in its vertical longitudinal extent than in its horizontal transverse extent. The housing 204 delimits the housing interior 224 (not explicitly shown here) via side surfaces 206 and cover 208. An opening 212 is shown on the front side 210 through which the housing interior 224 can be reached. The opening 212 is designed to be reversibly closable with a closure element 214.

In the embodiment shown here, the closure element 214 is designed with two wings. It has a first wing 216a and a second wing 216b. In this case, two drive units 218 are provided to open the two wings 216a, 216b. These can be designed as a servomotor or electric motor, for example. In the embodiment shown here, the two wings 216a, 216b are adjusted linearly outwards so that the opening 212 is freely accessible. The closure element 214 is open. The temperature control element receiving unit is shown through the opening 214.

In 4 is a front view of the regeneration magazine 200 from 3 with the closure element 214 open. Below, near the floor, parts of the temperature control unit 202 are shown again. The temperature control unit 202 is covered here to protect it from contamination. The temperature control element receiving unit 217 is shown here as a front view with the temperature control element 1102 arranged therein.

The two wing elements 216a, 216b are moved to their end position, so that the opening 212 is advantageously completely exposed. The geometry of the opening 212 is designed such that the tempering elements 1102 can be guided through the opening 212 without having to be tilted during insertion into the housing interior 224.

Each temperature control element 1102 rests at least partially on an air guide element 26. The distance between two air guide elements 226 is designated as distance R. Two air guide elements 226 arranged adjacent to one another, together with the holding frame (not shown) or a housing interior wall (not shown), span a regeneration compartment through the mutual distance R.

The temperature control element 1102 is inserted into this and stored during regeneration. It is optionally possible for the air guide elements 226 to be attached to a holding frame (not shown) in the housing interior 224. This results in a particularly stable construction which can accommodate and support the individual temperature control elements 1102 safely and reliably.

In the example shown here, all regeneration compartments are occupied with tempering elements 1102. There is no free position.

Furthermore, in this example, each tempering element 1102 has at least one identification means 228 on its front side facing the opening 212. This can be designed as an RFID tag. This makes it possible to assign specific data associated with the tempering element 1102 in order to then record and/or manage this in a database. This can be done in the control unit.

Furthermore, a force-actuated section can be provided on the same front side of the tempering elements 1102, which is designed to be magnetic, for example.

Each tempering element 1102 rests at least partially on an air guide element 226. The air guide elements 226 used here are at least partially V-shaped. The surface located below the tempering element 1102 arranged thereon is advantageously V-shaped. The V-shape converges centrally under the tempering element 1102 so that a channel is formed.

Advantageously, this channel (not explicitly shown here) has at least one opening (not shown here) through which possible condensation water, which can form on the temperature control element 1102 during its regeneration, can be specifically drained downwards.

In 6a a section of a regeneration magazine 200 is shown. The section where the evaporator 244 and air flow guide device 240 are shown is shown here. The area between the evaporator 244 and the air flow guide device 240 is advantageously covered with a protective element 254, for example a sheet metal, and protected from dripping water from the temperature control elements arranged openly above it (not shown here). An intermediate floor 56 is arranged below the evaporator 244. This separates the lower housing area with the compressor (here hidden by the housing) from the rest of the housing interior.

In the simplest case, the intermediate floor 256 is made of foam. The intermediate floor 256 is advantageously designed to be inclined downwards towards the side of the evaporator 244. This allows any dripping water to run off the slope and be drained from the intermediate floor 256 through suitable openings (not shown here).

In order to protect possible dripping water from freezing on the intermediate floor 256, the intermediate floor 256 can be designed to be heatable. For this purpose, at least one heating element (not shown here) is embedded in the intermediate floor 256 and/or arranged on it and/or under it. The heating element (not shown here) can be designed as a heating cable. This is advantageous because it allows the intermediate floor 256 to be heated so that possible dripping water, starting from the temperature control elements arranged above it (not shown here), does not freeze on the intermediate floor 256 and thick layers of ice form there. This would also limit at least the function of the evaporator 244 after a while. It is therefore important to also drain the dripping water in liquid form. This is successfully achieved by heating the intermediate floor 256.

In 5b a perspective view of the housing interior 224 is shown. Parts of the temperature control unit 202 are arranged in the lower chambered area. These are spatially separated from the housing interior 224 by the intermediate floor 256. Advantageously, the intermediate floor 256 also serves as thermal insulation so that no heat can penetrate from the lower chambered area into the housing interior 224.

A drip water opening 258 is provided on the flattened edge of the intermediate floor 256, arranged adjacent to the evaporator 244. Dripping water can be drained from the intermediate floor 256 and thus also from the housing interior 224 via this opening.

The temperature control element receiving unit 217 is also shown. The temperature control element receiving unit 217 is limited at the bottom by the evaporator 244. The numerous temperature control elements 1102 are shown inserted into the regeneration compartments on the front side. The temperature control element receiving unit 217 has at least one interrupted side section 260 for laterally limiting the regeneration compartments, advantageously on both sides.

The lateral, vertically extending side sections 260 of the tempering element receiving unit 217 are in this case not fully formed. They are formed from several strips 262, so that vertical longitudinal openings 264 are created. These can be continuous in the vertical direction and/or interrupted in the vertical direction.

These strips 262 are advantageously made of metal, for example sheet metal. The arrangement of the sheets 262 in combination with the longitudinal openings 64 create a uniform pressure loss and thus a uniform flushing of the tempering elements 1102 over the height of the regeneration compartments. The longitudinal openings 264 and the strips 262 can advantageously be designed variably so that different flow areas can be formed between the strips 262 depending on the pressure of the tempering air flow.

5c shows the front view of the regeneration magazine 1 from 4 , without the corresponding housing walls. The holding frame 234 is arranged centrally with the air guide elements 226 and temperature control elements 1102 arranged therein.

The air flow guide device 240, which can be designed as a fan, guides, for example blows, the tempered air flow upwards on the flow path S. Due to the design of the holding frame 234, the air guide elements 226 and the housing interior 224 delimited thereby, the tempered air flow is not only guided upwards. The flow path S is designed to be directed both upwards and above and/or below and/or through the through-openings of the tempering element 1102. This flow path is particularly due to the fact that the holding frame 234 is arranged directly on the housing cover 242. This does not result in any free volume. The tempered air flow cannot be distributed arbitrarily in the housing interior 224, but is guided, for example blown, through the remaining gaps by the constant tracking by the air flow guide device 240. In this way, the tempered air flow advantageously flows at least over and under the tempering elements 1102 in a targeted manner, so that these can be briefly regenerated. In the front view on the left-hand side, the air flow then exits again and is guided downwards towards the evaporator 244. The now heated air flows through this. The air is tempered again, here at least cooled, in order to then be guided again by the air flow guide device 240 in the direction of the tempering elements 1102 in the next circulation step. The flow path S is advantageously designed as an active, continuous air circulation path.

In 6 is a schematic three-dimensional view of another embodiment of a regeneration magazine 300 with internal temperature control unit 302. Parts of the temperature control unit 302 are arranged in the lower section near the floor.

The housing 304 is advantageously made of metal and in this embodiment is larger in its vertical longitudinal extent than in its horizontal transverse extent. The housing 304 delimits the housing interior via side surfaces 306 and cover 308 (not explicitly shown here).

Two openings 312, 314 are shown on the front side 310, through which the housing interior (not shown) can be reached. The openings 312, 314 are each designed to be reversibly closable with a closure element. The two closure elements are advantageously independent of one another. The upper closure element closes the temperature control element feed opening 312. The second closure element, which is arranged at a vertical distance from it, closes the temperature control element discharge opening 314. Both closure elements are not shown here, since both the temperature control element feed opening 312 and the temperature control element discharge opening 314 are shown in the open state. The two closure elements are pivoted inwards into the housing interior 316.

This is not to be understood as restrictive, so it is also conceivable to attach the locking elements to the outside of the housing.

In 7 and 8 different designs of the holding frame 320 are shown.

Only the holding frame 320 has an S-shaped profile in its vertical extension. The two side sections 322, 324 are curved in an S-shape. Both side sections 322, 324 have a congruent curvature.

The intermediate space 26 is formed between the two side sections 322, 324. Numerous tempering elements 1102 can be arranged horizontally in this intermediate space 326. In the example shown here, the intermediate space and thus the tempering element receiving unit is shown fully equipped with tempering elements 1102.

The S-shape proves to be advantageous in that it reduces the vertical downward weight force on the lowest tempering element 1102. In addition, tilting within the gap 326 is prevented. avoided. In this way, the correct positioning of the tempering elements 1102 in the gap 326 can always be ensured.

Furthermore, in this example, each tempering element 1102 has at least one identification means 334 on its front side facing the opening 312, 314. This can be designed as an RFID tag. This makes it possible to assign specific data associated with the tempering element 1102 in order to then record and/or manage this in a database. This can be done in the control unit. Furthermore, a force-actuable section can be provided on the same front side of the tempering elements 1102, which is designed to be magnetic, for example.

Not shown here, but it is possible that the penultimate tempering element 1102 is arranged at least partially spaced apart from the last, lowest tempering element 1102 of the stack. For example, the penultimate tempering element 1102 can be aligned at an angle. This again significantly reduces the friction via the surface load. The lowest tempering element can therefore be removed even more easily.

Parts of the temperature control unit 302 are shown below the holding frame 320. The air flow guide device 332, which can be designed as a fan, guides, for example blows, a tempered air flow, starting from the evaporator 330, upwards on the flow path S. Due to the design of the holding frame 320, the housing interior 16 delimited thereby and the shape of the side sections 322, 324, the tempered air flow is not only guided upwards in the direction of the arrow. The flow path S splits and is designed to be directed both upwards and above and/or below and/or through the through openings (not shown here) of the temperature control elements 1102 arranged in the intermediate space 326.

This flow path S is particularly due to the fact that the holding frame 320 can be arranged on the housing cover 308. This means that there is no particularly large free volume there. The tempered air flow cannot be distributed arbitrarily in the housing interior 316, but is guided, for example blown, through the remaining gaps of the temperature control element receiving unit by the constant tracking by the air guiding device 40.

In this way, the tempered air flow advantageously flows in a targeted manner at least over and under the tempering elements 1102, so that they can be briefly regenerated, in this example cooled.

In the front view on the left side of the temperature control elements 1102, the air flow then exits the temperature control element receiving unit in the direction of the arrow and is guided downwards towards the evaporator 330. The now heated air flows through this. The air is then re-tempered, or at least cooled, in order to then be guided again by the air flow guide device 332 towards the temperature control elements 1102 in the next active circulation step. The flow path S is advantageously designed as an active, continuous air circulation path.

Also not shown separately here, but it is possible that, in order to improve the guidance of the tempering air flow between the tempering elements 1102 and at the same time to accelerate their regeneration, each tempering element has at least three or more spacer elements. These can be understood as feet. Each tempering element 1102 advantageously has at least three spacer elements, advantageously four or six.

In 8 Another possible embodiment of a regeneration magazine 300 is shown. The structure largely corresponds to the embodiment of 7 . The same reference symbols identify the same components and are therefore not explained again.

In this embodiment, the holding frame 320 is straight. The two side sections 322, 324 extend vertically in a straight line from top to bottom. The intermediate space 326 is again spanned between them. The intermediate space 326 is again designed in such a way that tempering elements 1102 can be accommodated. In this embodiment, separating elements 338 are arranged on the inner walls of the two side sections 322, 324. In the simplest case, these can be designed as a projection or a protruding strip. The separating elements 338 protrude into the intermediate space 326, advantageously in a horizontal arrangement or arranged at an angle downwards in relation to the respective side section 322, 324. The separating elements 338 are provided in order to at least partially engage under the tempering elements 1102 and/or to hold them in position. The temperature control element holder unit shown here is not fully equipped in order to better illustrate its function.

In order to reduce the weight and surface load of temperature control elements 1102 stacked on top of each other, the separating elements 338 are provided. These grip underneath and/or hold a temperature control element 1102 at its one free end. The temperature control element 1102 itself is arranged tilted in the intermediate space 326. If the If the lowest tempering element 1102 is removed through the tempering element removal opening (not shown here), the remaining tempering elements 1102 in the gap do not simply slide down in a straight line, but rather tilt in a zigzag movement. This prevents jamming within the gap and breaks up any possible icing of the tempering elements 1102.

To improve the guidance of the tempering elements 1102 and at the same time to accelerate their regeneration, the tempering elements 1102 have spacer elements 336 on their underside. These can be understood as feet. Each tempering element 1102 advantageously has at least three spacer elements 336, advantageously four or six. The spacer elements 336 also serve to additionally stabilize the position during the zigzag movement and the then necessary stable arrangements in the tempering element stack in the intermediate space 326.

Parts of the temperature control unit 302 are shown below the holding frame 320. The air flow guide device 332, which can be designed as a fan, guides, for example blows, a tempered air flow, starting from the evaporator 330, upwards on the flow path S. Due to the design of the holding frame 320, the housing interior 316 delimited thereby and the shape of the side sections 322, 324, the tempered air flow is not only guided upwards in the direction of the arrow. The flow path S is designed to be directed both upwards and above and/or below and/or through the through openings (not shown here) of the temperature control elements 1102 arranged in the intermediate space 326. This flow path S is particularly due to the fact that the holding frame 320 can be arranged directly on the housing cover 8. This means that there is no free volume there. The tempered air flow cannot be distributed arbitrarily in the housing interior 316, but is guided, for example blown, through the remaining gaps by the constant tracking by the air guiding device 340.

In this way, the tempered air flow advantageously flows in a targeted manner at least over and under the tempering elements 1102, so that these can be briefly regenerated. In the front view on the left side of the tempering elements 1102, the air flow then exits the tempering element receiving unit in the direction of the arrow and is guided downwards towards the evaporator 330. The now heated air flows through this. The air is tempered again, here at least cooled, in order to then be guided again by the air flow guide device 332 in the direction of the tempering element receiving unit in the next active circulation step. The flow path S is advantageously designed as an active, continuous air circulation path overall.

Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail by the advantageous embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples. Other variations can be derived from this by the person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the invention is not limited to the combinations of features specified below, but other combinations and partial combinations that are obvious to the person skilled in the art can also be formed from the disclosed features.

List of reference symbols

100

Storage and transport device

2

Housing body

2b

Floor

4

Tempering volume

6

Housing body locking unit

8

carrier

10

Top

12

Recording device

14

Grip element/gripping section

16

bottom

18

Positioning unit

20

Guide element

21

Flow ribs

22

Spacing element

24

Spacers

26

Support surface

28

Insulation element

30

lower section

32

Air guide element

34

Passage opening

36

seal

38

further seal

1100

Storage and transport unit

1102

Tempering element

200

Regeneration Magazine

202

Tempering unit

204

Housing

206

Side surface

208

Lid

210

Front

212

opening

214

Locking element

216a

first wing

216b

second wing

217

Tempering element holder unit

218

Drive unit

224

Housing interior

226

Air guide element

228

Detection tools

230

compressor

232

drip tray

234

Holding frame

236

Sensor element

238

optical display device

240

Airflow guidance device

244

Evaporator

34

Passage opening

248

Frame

250

Drip opening

252

gutter

254

Protective element

256

Intermediate floor

258

Drip water opening

260

Page section

262

Stripes

264

Longitudinal openings

S

Flow path

300

another regeneration magazine

302

Tempering unit

304

Housing

306

Side surface

308

Lid

310

Front

312

Tempering element feed opening

314

Tempering element discharge opening

316

Housing interior

320

Holding frame

322

Page section

324

further page section

326

Space

330

Evaporator

332

Airflow guidance device

334

Detection tools

336

Spacer element

338

Separating element

Claims (9)

Temperature control system with at least one storage and transport device (100), which has at least one exchangeable, regenerable temperature control element (1102), and at least one regeneration magazine (200; 300) for the active regeneration of discharged temperature control elements (1102) from storage and transport devices (100), wherein the at least one storage and transport device (100) has a detection device (12) which forms data and/or communication connections with the at least one control unit of the at least one regeneration magazine (200; 300) and/or wherein the at least one detection device (12) and the at least one control unit of the at least one regeneration magazine form data and/or communication connections with at least one external control unit. Tempering system according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the storage and transport device (100) has at least one housing body (2) and at least one housing body closure unit (6) for closing the housing body (2), wherein the housing body closure unit (6) has at least one carrier (8) and at least one positioning unit (18) arranged thereon for at least partially receiving at least one mobile, regenerative tempering element (1102), wherein the housing body closure unit and/or the housing body (2) further has at least one detection device. Tempering system according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the regeneration magazine (200; 300) for the active regeneration of discharged tempering elements (1102) from storage and transport devices (100) has at least one housing (204; 304) which has at least one tempering element feed and/or tempering element discharge opening (212; 312, 314) for tempering elements (1102), wherein the at least one tempering element feed and/or tempering element discharge opening (212; 312, 314) can be closed with at least one closure element (214) made of is formed, and a tempering element receiving unit arranged in the housing interior (224; 316), which is designed to be equipped with tempering elements (1102) via the at least one tempering element supply and/or tempering element removal opening (212; 312, 314), and at least one control unit. Tempering system according to one of the Claims 1 - 3 , characterized in that it further comprises at least one conveyor unit. Tempering system according to Claim 4 , characterized in that the conveyor unit has at least one conveyor unit control unit for forming data and/or communication connections. Tempering system according to one of the Claims 1 - 5 , characterized in that it is designed to be operated at least partially manually by operating personnel, at least partially semi-automatically or at least partially automatically. Method for operating a temperature control system according to at least one of the Claims 1 until 6 , wherein at least the at least one control unit and the at least one data acquisition device form at least one communication network with data and/or communication connections and action sequences are triggered depending on the data of the temperature control system acquired and processed via the data and/or communication connections and/or by the at least one control unit and/or by the at least one data acquisition device. Method for operating a temperature control system according to at least one of the Claims 1 until 6 or as a step in the procedure Claim 7 , wherein the at least one detection device and the at least one control unit of the at least one regeneration magazine form data and/or communication connections with at least one external control unit and action sequences are triggered by the external control unit depending on the data of the temperature control system detected and processed via the data and/or communication connections and/or by the at least one control unit and/or by the at least one data detection device. Procedure for operating a storage system according to Claim 7 or 8 , at least continuing to show that the action sequences are coordinated with each other.

Images